In Open Air: How this Project Redefined My Creative Limits
Seven months ago, I stood at the starting line of what would become the most challenging and rewarding creative endeavor of my life. Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve exported the final cuts of my three-part PBS documentary series, In Open Air, highlighting the public art movement in Amarillo, Texas.
The journey began in June 2024 when I was hired to take over a project that had lost its way. Interviews had been conducted but were poorly framed, and much of the work needed to be redone. Despite not having a contract finalized, I began working immediately, shooting the 50th anniversary of Cadillac Ranch and meeting Chip Lord, one of the original Ant Farm members and creator of the iconic installation. That event set the tone for the project and became the foundation for what was to come.
At the time, I had limited experience in long-form documentary filmmaking. My only prior project was a day-in-the-life style video about Shad Mayfield, which, while something I’m very proud of, was a far cry from the scope of In Open Air. This new project was bigger—much bigger—and I dove in with a combination of determination and naivety, fueled by a creative spirit and a willingness to learn as I went.
Building Something Bigger
I started with limited resources, including editing software designed for short-form content and a basic iPad setup. I didn’t even have an audio meter to balance levels properly. Still, I powered through, completing rough cuts of the first two episodes and moving on to the third, which required more interviews than the first two combined.
The process was daunting. Each month, I chiseled away at the edits, gradually shaping the raw footage into something cohesive. By December, I felt like I was nearing the finish line, but in truth, I was far from it. I realized the tools I was using were holding me back, so I made a significant investment in a new editing setup—a MacBook Pro, speakers, and a large monitor. Upgrading my workflow gave me the tools I needed to properly finish the project.
Refining the Vision
Transferring the project to Final Cut Pro opened up a world of possibilities. I could now level the audio, polish transitions, and integrate titles and credits in ways I couldn’t before. The audio alone was a revelation; I could finally hear the project through proper speakers and fine-tune every level.
This last phase of editing was painstaking but transformative. I trimmed unnecessary clips, smoothed over rough patches, and brought each episode down to a tight 27 minutes. By the time I wrapped up, I realized how much I had grown—not just as a filmmaker but as a storyteller and craftsman.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, there are things I’d do differently if I were starting this project today. But every misstep, every challenge, and every late night taught me something invaluable. In Open Air pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of.
It was an isolating project. I carried the majority of the work on my shoulders—shooting, editing, directing, narrating, and producing it all. There were moments of self-doubt and exhaustion, but also moments of clarity and pride. Watching the credits roll at the end of each episode feels surreal.
I’ve officially grown into a filmmaker, and I say that now with confidence. This project molded and shaped me, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the result of these last seven months of hard work.
What’s Next
In Open Air premieres on Panhandle PBS in early February 2025, and I’ll be sharing more details about air dates soon. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be promoting the series and sharing the story behind its creation.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this process. It’s been a heck of an experience, and I hope In Open Air inspires others to see the beauty and significance of public art in Amarillo and beyond.
Stay tuned—the journey is just beginning.
